Instead of doing 23 hours from Santiago to Calama up north, I decided to stop in La Serena which is 7 hours north of Santiago. It is a typical coastal resort, but also the fastest growing city of Chile. The landscape between Santiago is dry and does not make a big impression. I spent my time listening to BBC 4 podcasts and reading a spanish newspaper. The big story was how a Chilean girl had beaten 4 girls from Argentina in having the cutest butt...Jocelyn was here name :-) And I must admit that I understand why she won ;-)

Arrived at Hostal el Punto, a place I had booked a day earlier. And good was that, since it was full. A kind of perfectly designed hostel, owned by a German couple; Katja and Jens. The have really done something right when designing this. A lot of German speaking staying there, guess it is because they have a German website. 6000 pesos really a good price for this hostel, since it also included a delicious breakfast

. A little bit low on the Fun factor, but apart from that really good.

Checked out the bar scene later in the evening, together with and Irish guy. Peregrino close to the hostel was good, as was also VIP downtown. Tabuko was another strange pub. I say strange because they are all very difficult to interact in. Everybody sits down at tables, and it is not easy to get in touch with people.

Next day was my "Visit all the churches day". Did my best to find as many as possible, but still did not manage to find all 29. But check out the pictures. Not much else to take pictures of really.

After the churches I took the bus down to Playa 4 Esquinas where I slept and watched the huge crowds of local tourists. I walked back along the beach to Playa el Faro, where the lighthouse is located.

Relaxed with a German guy and a Mexican kid back at the hostel. Tried a few new beers. Stay away from Becker if you want good beer, that is my conclusion :-) Austral is good though.

Will be leaving for Calama tonight, 16 hours in a semi-cama bus. Horrible I believe, but with iPod, earplugs and eye mask I am ready :-) Looking forward to seeing the massive copper mine up there, hopefully I will be able to make some good pictures as well.